Iida City and Achi Village are located in southern Nagano, surrounded by the beautiful Southern Alps and Central Alps. This mountainous region is best known for its delicious fruits, healing hot springs, and magnificent scenery through the seasons.

Iida is one of the top producers of fruit in Japan, boasting the largest production of Japanese plums (ume), Japanese pears, and persimmons in Nagano. The city is also known for its apples and European pears, locally brewed ciders, and sweet dried persimmons called Ichida-gaki. Naturally, fruit picking is a popular activity here.

Beyond the world of fruit, Iida is famous for its fall scenery. Visit the Tenryu-kyo Valley for brilliant foliage and exciting boat tours down the emerald waters of the Tenryu River. Guides will lead you through the towering cliffs and introduce the historic rock formations.

Just a 30-minute drive from Iida is Achi, a charming village with over 20 natural hot springs, Japan’s best starry night sky, and beautiful flowers abound. Hirugami Onsen is known for its hot spring ryokans, many of which offer a special stargazing package. In mid-April, 10,000 peach trees fill the village with a medley of pink, red, and white blossoms, creating a breathtaking flower path at Hanamomo no Sato. In early September, a million cosmos transform the slopes of Jibuzaka Ski Resort into a sea of pink flowers. Ride the lift up and wander down through the rows of cosmos.

Map and Access

The Iida Line runs from Toyohashi to Tatsuno with several stops including Tenryu-kyo, Iida, and Moto-Zenkoji.

From Iida, access Hirugami Onsen by bus (45 minutes on the Shinnan Kotsu Komaba Line).
From Nagoya, access Hirugami Onsen by bus (105 minutes on the Shinnan Kotsu Nagoya Line bound for Iida).

Where to Stay

Iida City Area

A handful of business hotels and ryokans are conveniently located around Iida Station, with restaurants and old-school karaoke bars nearby. Access the Tenryu-kyo Valley and Moto-Zenkoji Temple on the Iida Line, and easily reach Achi and Nagoya by bus.

Achi Village and Hirugami Onsen Area

Spend the night at Hirugami Onsen, a cozy area with over 20 ryokans to choose from. Most offer a stargazing package with tickets to the famous Star Village Achi night tour, as well as shuttle services to and from the tour.